US20110235986A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20110235986A1
Application number: US13/069,932
Authority: US
Inventors: Jonathan R. Kaml; Scott C. Kowalczyk
Original assignee: ADC Telecommunications Inc
Current assignee: Commscope Technologies LLC; Commscope Connectivity LLC
Priority date: 2010-03-24
Filing date: 2011-03-23
Publication date: 2011-09-29
Also published as: WO2011119786A2; WO2011119786A3

Abstract

A drawer panel includes a chassis housing defining a first cable port; and a drawer mounted within the chassis housing. The drawer is configured to slide between an open position and a closed position. A termination region is positioned on the drawer. At least a first stub cable routed to the first cable port of the chassis housing. The first stub cable is terminated by a ruggedized multi-fiber connector. The drawer provides cable management to accommodate a change in slack length when the drawer is open and shut. A fanout device is mounted to the chassis housing with a mounting bracket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/317,158, filed Mar. 24, 2010, and titled “Optical Fiber Drawer with Connectorized Stub Cable,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Optical networks are becoming prevalent in part because service providers want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities to customers. Fiber optic cables and/or copper cables can be used to interconnect pieces of telecommunications equipment. Cable management structures that provide cable management and cable terminations associated with the system are commonly mounted to telecommunication racks, within cabinets, or to other framework structures. Adaptation is a factor in the effectiveness of the overall management of cables and cable terminations. In general, conventional arrangements for managing cables and cable terminations can be improved.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to a cable management and termination arrangement that can be used in sliding drawer applications and rack enclosures therefore. Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to features that facilitate deployment of the drawer application. Other aspects relate to features that enhance cable management, ease of use, and scalability.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example rack enclosure mounted over an example handhole in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2C show an example handhole in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3 and 3A show a first example implementation of an optical cable suitable for use as a feeder cable and/or a subscriber stub cable described herein;

FIG. 4 shows one example implementation of a second cable segment suitable for use as a feeder cable or a subscriber stub cable described herein.

FIG. 5 shows an example plug connector and an example receptacle connector that are configured to interface together in accordance with aspects of the disclosure;

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the ferrules of the plug and receptacle multi-fiber connectors ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top, front perspective view of a drawer panel with a drawer in a closed position within a chassis housing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the drawer panel ofFIG. 7 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the drawer panel ofFIG. 7 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the drawer panel ofFIG. 7 shown with a top of the chassis housing removed to show the interior of the chassis housing and drawer in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top, front perspective view of the drawer panel ofFIG. 7 with the drawer in an open position relative to the chassis housing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the drawer panel ofFIG. 11 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top, rear perspective view of the drawer panel ofFIG. 11 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a detailed view of section I14 ofFIG. 13, which shows a fanout device mounted to a bracket attached to the chassis housing, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows the mounting bracket ofFIG. 14 without the fanout device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket ofFIG. 14 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of anexample enclosure100 mounted over an example handhole200 positioned in the ground G beneath theenclosure100. Theenclosure100 includes ahousing101 defining aninterior102. Active and/or passive telecommunications components can be positioned within theinterior102 of thehousing101. For example, arack110 configured to hold telecommunications equipment can be mounted within theenclosure housing101.

In general, therack110 is configured to provide one ormore termination regions125 at which optical fibers can be optically coupled to other optical fibers. Therack110 is configured to holdmodular components120 on which thetermination regions125 can be provided. In accordance with some aspects, themodular components120 include patch panel modules on which thetermination region125 is provided. In accordance with other aspects, themodular components120 include blades on which thetermination regions125 are provided. In accordance with other aspects, themodular components120 includechassis drawers120, which provide thetermination region125. In accordance with still other aspects, therack110 can be configured to hold any combination of the abovemodular components120.

In accordance with certain aspects,telecommunications cables320 can be routed into theenclosure100 to thetermination region125. In some implementations, connectorized first ends of thecables320 are connected to one side of thetermination region125. For example, in one implementation, atelecommunications cable320 can be terminated by a multi-fiber connector (MFC), which can be plugged into an MFC adapter at thetermination region125. In another implementation, fibers of thetelecommunications cable320 can be separated, individually terminated by fiber optic connectors, and plugged into adapters at thetermination region125. In another implementation, fibers of thecable320 can be optically coupled (e.g., spliced, connected, etc.) to intermediate fibers that are routed to thetermination region125.

Some example telecommunications cables (e.g., input cables)320 may include one to forty-eight individual fibers. In different implementations, thetelecommunications cables320 can include two, eight, twelve, twenty-four, and forty-eight fibers. Other example telecommunications cables (e.g., output cables)320 include a greater number of fibers (e.g., 48, 96, 144, 216, 288, 432, or 576 fibers). Thetelecommunications cables320 are routed from the enclosure to other locations within atelecommunications network100. In addition, theenclosure100 can be designed to accommodate a range of alternative sizes and fiber counts and to support factory installation of pigtails, fanouts, and optical splitters.

In accordance with certain aspects, active telecommunications components (e.g., optical switches, etc.)130 can be mounted within theenclosure housing101. In some implementations, one or moreactive telecommunications components130 can be optically coupled to thetelecommunications cables320 at thetermination region125 on therack110. For example, atelecommunications patch cord150 can be routed between anactive component130 and thefiber termination region125 of amodular component120 mounted to therack110. Thepatch cord150 includes one or more optical fibers that connect to optical fibers of thestub cables320 via adapters mounted at the termination region. In one implementation, apatch cord150 includes one or more buffered optical fibers.

In accordance with certain aspects, passive telecommunications components (e.g., fiber optic splitters, fiber optic adapters, splice trays, etc.)140 also can be mounted within theenclosure housing101. In some implementations, one or morepassive telecommunications components140 can be optically coupled to thetelecommunications cables320 at thetermination region125 on therack110. For example, atelecommunications patch cord150 can be routed between apassive component140 and thefiber termination region125 of amodular component120 mounted to therack110. Thepatch cord150 includes one or more optical fibers that connect to optical fibers of thestub cables320 via adapters mounted at the termination region.

In accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure, thetelecommunications cables320 are stubs cables that are precabled to telecommunications components located within theenclosure100. For example, first ends of thestub cables320 can be optically coupled to thefiber termination region125 of one or moremodular components120. In some implementations, eachmodular component120 can be associated with one ormore stub cables320. In other implementations, eachstub cable320 can be terminated at one or moremodular components120. In the example shown, onestub cable320 extends from eachmodular component120.

In some implementations, the first ends of thetelecommunications cables320 can be separated out (e.g., at a fanout device) into individual, connectorized optical fibers that are routed to thefiber termination regions125. One example implementation of a fanout separating a first end of atelecommunications cable320 will be discussed more herein with respect toFIGS. 11-16. In accordance with certain aspects, thestub cables320 are optically coupled to thefiber termination regions125 at a factory or other manufacturing site.

The other ends (also referred to as “stub ends”) of thestub cables320 extend out from theenclosure housing101 through acable port103. For example, in some implementations, the stub ends can extend about five to ten feet out from theenclosure body101. In other implementations, however, thestub cables320 can be longer or shorter. The stub end309 of eachcable320 is terminated at aconnector325. In accordance with certain aspects, theconnector325 is a ruggedized connector that protects the fibers of thestub cable320 from dirt, dust, and other environmental contaminants. In some implementations, theoptical connector325 of thestub cable320 is a multi-fiber connector (MFC). One example MFC is described in more detail below. In accordance with other aspects, however, each fiber of thestub cable320 can be separately connectorized.

In some implementations, the connectorized ends325 of two ormore stub cables320 can be organized at amanager328. In some implementations, themanager328 includes a body that is configured to retain each of theoptical connectors325 of thestub cables320. In other implementations, themanger328 includes a body that is configured to retain each of thestub cables320 at a point adjacent theconnectors325. In one implementation, themanager328 includes a panel from which fingers project to retain theconnectors325 or thestub cables320. In another implementation, themanager328 includes a housing defining receptacles configured to receive theconnectors325. In another implementation, themanager328 includes a flexible band that can be secured around a plurality of theconnectors325.

Thestub cables320 exit theenclosure housing101 through thecable port103 and enter the handhole200 through ahandhole cable port213. The handhole200 includes acontainer structure210 that is buried below ground G. Thecontainer structure210 includes at least one support panel orplatform212 on which theenclosure100 can be mounted. Thesupport platform212 is mounted to a top of thecontainer210, e.g., as described in more detail herein. Thepanel212 defines thecable port213, which aligns with thecable port103 of theenclosure body101.

For example, in some implementations, theenclosure100 can be mounted directly to thesupport platform212. In other implementations, anaccess module105 can be secured to thesupport platform212 and theenclosure100 can be mounted to theaccess module105. Theaccess module105 can define acable port107 through which thetelecommunications cables320 can pass between theenclosure100 and the handhole200.

At least oneunderground conduit230 is routed into an interior of thecontainer structure210. Theconduits230 are configured to routetelecommunications cables300 to different locations in a telecommunications network. In some implementations, asingle conduit230 passes through thehandhole container210. In other implementations,multiple conduits230 can pass through thehandhole container210. At least one of theconduits230 provides an access point at which one ormore cables300 can be routed from theconduit230 to theenclosure100. In still other implementations, one ormore conduits230 terminate at the container interior.

During deployment of theenclosure100, the stub ends of thecables320 are routed into thehandhole container210 through thecable port213. Within thehandhole container210, thestub cables320 can be optically coupled to one or moreselect cables310 of thetelecommunications cables300 routed through theconduits230. Accordingly, theselect cables310 are optically coupled to the active or

passive components

130,140 mounted within the enclosure when apatch cord150 connects the

components

130,140 with theselect cables310.

In some implementations, theselect cables310 can be terminated at one or moreoptical connector315, which can be interfaced (e.g., directly or through an adapter) to theoptical connectors325 of thestub cables320 to connect telecommunications components within theenclosure100 toother points250 in the telecommunications network100 (above or below ground). For example, in one implementation, the optical connector(s)315 of theconduit cables310 and the optical connector(s)325 of thestub cables320 are both MFCs.

An example handhole200 is shown inFIGS. 2A-2C.FIG. 2A is a top, perspective view of anexample handhole container210 having an open top213 leading to an interior211. Throughholes212 are defined within theside walls216 of thecontainer210. The throughholes212 are sized and shaped to enableconduits230 to enter and exit thecontainer interior211. In the example shown, at least oneside wall216 defines two throughholes212 and at least oneside wall216 defines four throughholes212. In some implementations, opposingside walls216 can define a like number of throughholes212 to enableconduits230 to pass fully through thecontainer210. In other implementations, opposingside walls216 can each define a different number of through holes212 (including zero).

Thecontainer210 definesshoulders214 within the interior211 just below theopen top213. In the example shown, theshoulders214 are provided at the corners of thecontainer210. In other example implementations, however, theshoulders214 also can be provided along the sides of thecontainer210. Thesupport platform222 is configured to seat on theshoulders214 at theopen top213 of thecontainer210.Brackets215 or other supporting hardware can be provided on thecontainer210 for securing thesupport platform222 to thecontainer210.

Oneexample support panel222 is shown inFIG. 2B. Thesupport panel222 defines acable port223 that provides access to theinterior211 of thecontainer210. Thesupport panel222 also defines through openings426 through which fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, etc.)227 can extend to secure thesupport panel222 to thebrackets215 within thecontainer210. Typically, thesupport platform222 extends over only a portion of theopen top213 of thecontainer210. Accordingly, one ormore brackets215 can be positioned along the sides of theopen top213 of the container210 (seeFIG. 2A).

The handhole200 also includes one ormore access panels225 that cover the remainder of the open top213 to provide selective access to theinterior211 of thecontainer210. Theaccess panel225 is configured to seat on thesupport members214 at theopen top213 of thecontainer210. In one implementation, thesupport platform222 includes a step424 protruding outwardly to provide further support for the access panel225 (seeFIG. 2C). In one implementation, theaccess panel225 also defines at least one through opening426 through which a fastener can extend to secure theaccess panel225 to the top213 of thecontainer210.

Typically, the fastener that secures theaccess panel225 to thecontainer210 is removable. Accordingly, theaccess panel225 can be moved to enable a technician to access theinterior211 of thecontainer210. In one implementation, theaccess panel225 is configured to be lifted up and fully removed from theopen top213 of thecontainer210 when access to thecontainer interior211 is desired. In another implementation, theaccess panel225 is configured to be pivoted upwards to provide access to thecontainer interior211.

FIGS. 3 and 3A show a first example implementation of anoptical cable340 suitable for use as a feeder cable and/or asubscriber stub cable320 described herein. Thefirst example cable340 includes anouter jacket341 defining at least afirst passage342 for containing at least oneoptical fiber344 and at least asecond passage345 for containing at least onestrength member346. In one implementation, theouter jacket341 includes acentral passage342 for containingoptical fibers344 and twopassages345 on opposite sides of thecentral passage344 for containingstrength members346. In other implementations, thefirst example cable340 can include greater orfewer strength members346 enclosed within thejacket341.

In accordance with some aspects, thefirst example cable340 has an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile (e.g., a flattened cross-sectional profile, an oblong cross-sectional profile, an obround cross-sectional profile, etc.) defined by theouter jacket341. The major axis and the minor axis of the cross-sectional profile intersect perpendicularly at a lengthwise axis of thecable340. The construction of thefirst example cable340 allows thecable340 to be bent more easily along a plane that coincides with the minor axis than along a plane that coincides with the major axis. Such a construction allows thefirst example cable340 to be readily used for applications in which drop cables are normally used and also allows thefirst example cable340 to be wrapped around a cable storage spool having a relatively small diameter without damaging theexample cable340. Other implementations of thefirst example cable340 can have round, oval, or other transverse cross-sectional profiles, however.

In accordance with some aspects, theouter jacket341 can be shaped through an extrusion process and can be made by any number of different types of polymeric materials. In certain embodiments, theouter jacket341 can have a construction the resists post-extrusion shrinkage of theouter jacket341. For example, theouter jacket341 can include a shrinkage reduction material disposed within a polymeric base material (e.g., polyethylene). U.S. Pat. No. 7,379,642, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, describes an exemplary use of shrinkage reduction material within the base material of a fiberoptic cable jacket341.

In some implementations, thefirst passage342 of theouter jacket341 is sized to receive one or more of the bendinsensitive fibers344. The bendinsensitive fibers344 are preferably unbuffered and in certain embodiments have outer diameters in the range of 230-270 μm. In one implementation, thefirst passage342 is sized to receive at least twelve of the bendinsensitive fibers344. When thefibers344 are positioned within thefirst passage342, it is preferred for thefibers344 to occupy less than 60% of the total transverse cross-sectional area defined by thefirst passage342. In some implementations, structures such water-swellable fibers, water-swellable tape, or water-swellable yarn can be provided within thepassage342 to prevent water from migrating along thefirst passage342. In other implementations, water-blocking gel may be provided within thefirst passage342.

In accordance with some implementations, thestrength members346 of thefirst example cable340 have a transverse cross-sectional profile that matches the transverse cross-sectional profile of thesecond passage345. In one implementation, eachstrength members346 has a width that is greater than a thickness of thestrength member346. In certain implementations, thestrength members346 are bonded to theouter jacket341. For example, the bonding between thestrength members346 and theouter jacket341 can be chemical bonding or thermal bonding.

In accordance with some aspects, eachstrength members346 has a construction that is highly flexible and highly strong in tension. For example, in certain implementations, thestrength members346 provide the vast majority of the tensile load capacity of thefirst example cable340. In certain implementations, eachstrength member346 also has a flexibility that allows thestrength member346 to be wrapped at least 360 degrees around a mandrel349 (seeFIG. 3A) having a 10 millimeter outer diameter for one hour without undergoing/experiencing meaningful deterioration/degradation of the tensile strength properties of thestrength member346.

In certain embodiments, thestrength member346 is formed by a generally flat layer of reinforcing elements (e.g., fibers or yarns such as aramid fibers or yarns) embedded or otherwise integrated within a binder to form a flat reinforcing structure (e.g., a structure such as a sheet-like structure, a film-like structure, or a tape-like structure). In one example embodiment, the binder is a polymeric material such ethylene acetate acrylite (e.g., UV-cured, etc.), silicon (e.g., RTV, etc.), polyester films (e.g., biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate polyester film, etc.), and polyisobutylene. In other example instances, the binder may be a matrix material, an adhesive material, a finish material, or another type of material that binds, couples or otherwise mechanically links together reinforcing elements.

In other embodiments, thestrength member346 can have a glass reinforced polymer (GRP) construction. The glass reinforced polymer can include a polymer base material reinforced by a plurality of glass fibers such as E-glass, S-glass or other types of glass fiber. The polymer used in the glass reinforced polymer is preferably relatively soft and flexible after curing. For example, in one embodiment, the polymer has a Shore A hardness less than 50 after curing. In other embodiments, the polymer has a Shore A hardness less than 46 after curing. In certain other embodiments, the polymer has a Shore A hardness in the range of about 34-46.

Additional details regarding the examplefirst cable segment110 can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/607,748, filed Oct. 28, 2009, published as US 2010/0278493, and titled “Flat Drop Cable,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Of course, other types of fiber optic cables having different tensile strength and flexibility characteristics can be used as the first cable segment.

FIG. 4 shows one example implementation of asecond cable segment350 suitable for use as a feeder cable or asubscriber stub cable320 described herein. Thesecond example cable350 includes acable jacket351 enclosing at least oneoptical fiber352. In one implementation, theoptical fiber352 is loosely received within abuffer tube353. Preferably,buffer tube353 includes at least one waterblocking substance, for example, a gel, grease, and/or a superabsorbent material. In some implementations, thesecond example cable350 has a generally flat configuration. For example, thejacket351 can define generallyarcuate sections355 and generally flat-sided sections356. Other implementations of thesecond example cable350, however, can have round, oval, or other transverse cross-sectional profiles.

Thesecond example cable350 also includes at least onestrength component357. In the example shown inFIG. 4, theoptical transmission component352 is disposed between twostrength components357. In other implementations, however, greater orfewer strength components357 can be used. In accordance with certain aspects, thestrength components357 have both tensile and anti-buckling characteristics. In some implementations, thestrength components357 are solid, rod-like members formed of dielectric materials. For example, in one implementation, astrength component357 includes glass filaments impregnated and bonded together with a resin to define a single unit having a tensile strength rating of about 500 Newtons @ 0.5% strain.

In some implementations, thesecond example cable350 can include one or more tensile strength members358 (e.g., a group of fiberglass strands). In other implementations, however, thestrength components357 provide the tensile strength of thesecond example cable350. Additional details regarding the examplesecond example cable350 can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,542,674, titled “Fiber Optic Cables with Strength Members,” and issued Apr. 1, 2003 to Corning Cable Systems, LLC, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. Of course, other types of fiber optic cables having different tensile strength and flexibility characteristics can be used as the second cable segment.

FIGS. 5,6A, and6B provide example connectors suitable for terminating the stub ends309 of thesubscriber cables320, the feeder cables, and/or the ends of thecables320 passing through theconduits230. The interface end of afirst example connector500 is shown inFIG. 6A and the interface end of asecond example connector500′ is shown inFIG. 6B. In accordance with some aspects, thefirst example connector500 is sized and shaped to couple to thesecond example connector500′ without an adapter. For example, thefirst example connector500 can define a plug and thesecond example connector500′ can define a receptacle that is configured to receive theplug500.

FIG. 5 shows theplug500 disengaged from thereceptacle500′. A threadedcoupling nut550 on theplug500 is operable for securing theplug500 to thereceptacle500′ upon engagement. As shown inFIG. 6A, theconnector plug500 includes aferrule510 at which one or moreoptical fibers511 are terminated. As shown inFIG. 6B, theconnector receptacle500′ also includes aferrule510′ at which one or moreoptical fibers511′ are terminated. In some implementations, theplug500 andreceptacle500′ are operable for aligning and maintaining the optical fibers of each in opposing relation for transmitting an optical signal. For example, theplug500 and thereceptacle500′ may be threadably coupled together. In accordance with other aspects, however, both thesubscriber cables308 and theconduit cables320 can be terminated with the same type of

connector

500,500′ and can be interfaced at an adapter.

In some implementations, theplug ferrule510 terminates multiple (e.g., two, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty-four, forty-eight, seventy-two, etc.)optical fibers511. In the example shown, theferrule510 terminates twelveoptical fibers511. Theplug ferrule510 defines keyingopenings512 at either side of theoptical fibers511. Theferrule510 is enclosed within ashroud514 that defines keying and latching features. Theshroud514 andferrule510 extend forwardly of aconnector base515. Theshroud514 extends beyond theferrule510. Theshroud514 defines afirst keying channel520 and asecond keying channel522 above and below theferrule510, respectively. Strength members of the cables (e.g.,feeder stub cable300 and subscriber stub cable308) also may be anchored to theconnector plug500. For example, strength members of the cables may be crimped to a portion of theconnector plug500.

In some implementations, thereceptacle ferrule510′ terminates multiple (e.g., two, eight, twelve, sixteen, twenty-four, forty-eight, seventy-two, etc.)optical fibers511. In the example shown, thereceptacle ferrule510′ terminates twelveoptical fibers511′. Thereceptacle ferrule510′ is enclosed within aconnector body515′ defines acavity514′ that is sized and shaped to receive theshroud514 of theplug500. Theconnector base515′ is configured to surround theshroud514. In some embodiments, theconnector base515′ latches, screws, or otherwise secures to theshroud514 to retain theplug500 and thereceptacle500′ in a mated configuration.

Thereceptacle ferrule510′ defines keyingprojections512′ at either side of theoptical fibers511′. Theprojections512′ are configured to be inserted into the keyingopenings512 of theplug ferrule510 to facilitate alignment of the

ferrules

510,510′. In addition, afirst keying projection520′ and asecond keying projection522′ are positioned within thecavity514′ above and below theferrule510′, respectively. In some implementations, the first andsecond keying projections520′,522′ have different shapes and/or sizes to facilitate finding the correct orientation of the plug and receptacle. Strength members of the cables (e.g.,feeder stub cable300 and subscriber stub cable308) also may be anchored to theconnector receptacle500′. For example, strength members of the cables may be crimped to a portion of theconnector receptacle500′.

The rugged housings of both the receptacle and plug provide improved sealing and increased mechanical strength against pulling forces as compared to conventional optical connections. In some implementations, the

connectors

500,500′ include an environmental seal when interfaced together to protect the

ferrules

511,511′ from dust, dirt, or other contaminants. In some implementations, environmental sealing structures can be mounted to the

connectors

500,500′ to protect the

ferrules

511,511′ prior to deployment of the FDH200 or prior to connection of the

connectors

500,500′.

For example, a protective pullingcap530 is shown exploded from theplug500 inFIG. 5. The pullingcap530 defines a threadedportion532 at its rearward end and a pullingloop534 at its forward end. The pullingcap530 provides protection of the optical connector of theplug500 during shipping and deployment, and until engagement of theplug500 with thereceptacle500′. The pullingcap530 may be secured to the cable using atether536 so that the pullingcap530 may be reused if theplug500 is later disengaged from thereceptacle500′. Thecoupling nut550 also may secure the pullingcap530 to theplug500 during shipping and deployment of the corresponding cable.

Aprotective dust cap540 is shown exploded from thereceptacle500′ inFIG. 5. Thereceptacle500′ may be covered and sealed with a threadedprotective dust cap540 during shipping and deployment. Thedust cap540 is removed prior to inserting theplug500 into thereceptacle500′. Thedust cap540 may be secured to thereceptacle500′ using atether546. At the end of thereceptacle500′ opposite thedust cap540, a pre-formed, elastomeric seal boot (not shown) may provide protection for thereceptacle500′ from the environment within the connection terminal. The protective boot also may provide a sealing function. The protective boot allows the assembly to be installed in a breathable connection terminal or similar enclosure, and may be unnecessary in the event thereceptacle500′ is otherwise reliably sealed from the environment.

Additional details regarding theexample connector plug500 andreceptacle500′ can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,264,402 to Theuerkorn et al., issued Sep. 4, 2007, and titled “Multi-fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIGS. 7-16 show anexample drawer panel600 suitable for mounting to a telecommunications equipment rack110 (seeFIG. 1) as amodular component120. Theexample drawer panel600 provides one or more termination regions625 at which optical fibers can be connected to other optical fibers. For example, thestub cables320 can connect to patch cords150 (FIG. 1) at the termination region625. In other implementations, thestub cables320 can connector to other optical fibers managed within theenclosure100. Thedrawer panel600 also provides cable/fiber management regions for managing thestub cables320,patch cords150, and optical fibers thereof.

Theexample drawer panel600 includes achassis body610 defining an interior612 within which adrawer620 can be located (seeFIG. 11). In general, thedrawer620 holds one or more telecommunications components (e.g., cables, terminations, storage spools, couplers, etc.). In some implementations, thedrawer620 defines an interior622 in whichoptical fibers324 of thestub cables320 can be managed and routed to the termination region625. For example, cable routing members (e.g., spools, tabs, bend radius limiters, etc.)634 can be located within thedrawer interior622. Examples of other terminations, cable management components, and/or distribution structures that can be provided within the drawer interior and/or chassis include attenuators, couplers, switches, wave divisions multiplexers, splitters, combiners, or splices.

In general, thedrawer620 is moveably mounted within thechassis body610. For example, thedrawer620 can be configured to slide within thechassis body610. When thedrawer620 is configured to slide relative to thechassis housing610, thedrawer panel600 is horizontally mounted, for example, to the telecommunications rack110 (schematically illustrated inFIG. 1) or other framework. In some implementations, thechassis housing610 includes slide structure (e.g., channels; seeFIGS. 11 and 13) that receives edges of thedrawer620. Thedrawer620 slides within the slide structure between a closed position (seeFIGS. 7-10) and an open position (seeFIGS. 11-13) to provide access to the telecommunications components contained within thedrawer620.

As shown inFIGS. 7-9, thechassis housing610 encloses and protects the contents of thedrawer620. Thechassis body610 includes opposingside walls613 extending between opposing top andbottom walls611 to define a chassis interior612 (FIG. 11). In one implementation, thechassis body610 has arear wall615 and an open front617 (FIG. 11). In another implementation, thechassis body610 defines an open rear and an open front. Mountingmembers619 are attached to thechassis body610 to facilitate securing thechassis body610 to therack110. In the example shown, the mountingmembers619 include L-shaped brackets having a first leg fastened to an exterior of thechassis body610 and a second leg configured to fasten to the rack110 (FIGS.7-10). For example, screws, rivets, bolts, or other fasteners can be inserted through openings defined in thebrackets619. In other implementations, other types of mounting hardware (e.g., clamps, slides, snap-together flanges, etc.) can be provided.

Thechassis housing610 can define acable port630 through which one or more stub cables320 (or corresponding optical fibers) can be routed into thedrawer panel600. In certain implementations, one ormore fanout devices750 can be mounted to thechassis housing612 at thecable port630 to separate out individual fibers from the stub cables320 (seeFIG. 10). In general, thefanout devices750 are mounted to thechassis housing610 so that thedrawer620 moves relative to thefanout devices750. In some implementations, thefanout devices750 can be mounted to a rear of thechassis housing interior612. In other implementations, thefanout devices750 can be mounted to an exterior of thechassis housing610. Additional details about the mounting thefanout devices750 to the chassis housing are discussed herein with respect toFIGS. 13-16.

As shown inFIGS. 10-13, thedrawer620 includes abase621 and aface member623 attached to thebase621. In the illustrated embodiment, an interior622 (FIG. 10) of thedrawer620 is generally defined by the perimeter of thebase621. In one implementation, thedrawer620 has open sides and an open rear. In another implementation, thedrawer620 can include side walls and/or a rear wall that define thedrawer interior622. Theface member623 defineshandles624. In some implementations, thedrawer620 also includes astorage trough627 extending forwardly of theface member623. Thestorage trough627 can include a retainingflange628 extending at least partially in front of the face member623 (seeFIG. 11). Labels or other indicia for thedrawer panel600 can be provided on the retainingflange628.

In accordance with some aspects, theinterior622 of thedrawer620 defines afirst management region632, theface member623 defines afiber termination region634, and thetrough627 defines asecond management region636.Fibers324 ofstub cables320 routed into thedrawer panel600 through thecable port630. Connectorized ends326 of thefibers324 are plugged intofiber optic adapters643 at thetermination region634. Dust caps644 can be provided at unused adapter ports to protect theadapters643 and to protect the connectors terminating any fibers inserted into corresponding ports (seeFIGS. 10-11).

In some implementations, thefiber optic adapters643 are individually plugged into openings provided on theface member623. In other implementations, thefiber optic adapters643 are mounted totermination plates641 that are configured to mount to theface member623. For example, thetermination plates641 can mount to theface member623 using fasteners (e.g., screws, push tabs, etc.)642 (e.g., seefastener642 ofFIG. 10). In some implementations, theadapters643 are arranged at an angle relative to the terminal plate641 (e.g., seeFIG. 10).

In one implementation, asingle termination plate641 is mounted to theface member623. In another implementation,multiple termination plates641 are mounted to theface member623. In the example shown inFIG. 11, twotermination plates641 are mounted to theface member623 side-by-side. In some such implementations, theadapters643 on onetermination plate641 are angled in one direction and theadapters643 on theother termination plate641 are angled in a different direction (seeFIG. 10). In other implementations, thetermination plates641 can be mounted in multiple rows and/or columns.

Slack fiber length of thefibers324 is stored and managed at thefirst management region632 within thedrawer interior622. For example, thefirst management region632 can include one ormore management members650, such as bend radius limiters, spool (full or partial), tabs, or other fiber routing tools. Themanagement members650 of thefirst management region632 define a routing path R through which theoptical fibers324 are directed to route thefibers324 from thecable port630 to thetermination region634. The configuration of thefirst management region632 is discussed in more detail herein.

Thetermination region634 enables theoptical fibers324 of thestub cables320 to be optically coupled to second optical fibers (e.g., of apatch cord150 ofFIG. 1). In some implementations, the second optical fibers are routed from thedrawer panel600 to othermodular components120 on therack110 or to other internal components within the enclosure100 (e.g., seeFIG. 1). The second optical fibers are managed at thetrough627 on thedrawer620. Thetrough627 and retainingflange628 inhibits the second fibers from spilling over the front oflower drawer panels600 or othermodular components120 mounted on therack110. In one implementation, the retainingflange628 is configured to pivot or otherwise move relative to theface plate623 to provide access to thetermination region634.

Thedrawer620 is configured to be slid out of thechassis housing610 to an open position and into thechassis housing610 to a closed position. Accordingly, thedrawer620 is moved relative to anyfanout devices750 mounted to thecable ports630. In accordance with some aspects, the routing path R is configured to accommodate the slack storage length as thedrawer620 is moved between the open and closed positions. For example, in some implementations, themanagement members650 include one or more spools (or other bend radius limiters) that define an inner perimeter of the path R and one or more spools (or other bend radius limiters) that define an outer perimeter of the path R. Thefibers324 are free to move between the inner and outer perimeters of the path R as thedrawer620 is moved relative to thechassis housing610.

In some implementations, the path R has a circular or elliptical inner perimeter. In the example shown, the inner perimeter of the path R is define by a firstpartial spool651 and a second partial spool652 positioned within thedrawer interior622. In another implementation, the inner perimeter of the path R can be defined by a full spool. In other implementations, additional spools or other management members can be positioned within thedrawer interior622 to form the inner perimeter of the path R.

In the example shown, the outer perimeter of the path R is formed by additional partial spools653-655. A thirdpartial spool653 is positioned within thedrawer620 to facilitate routing thefibers324 from thecable port630 to the routing path R. A fourthpartial spool654 is positioned adjacent the firstpartial spool651 to define a first channel through which thefibers324 can pass. A fifthpartial spool654 is positioned adjacent the second spool652 to define a second channel through which thefibers324 can pass. In other implementations, the routing path R can be formed by a greater or lesser number of spools pairs. In certain implementations, one or more of the spools651-655 includetabs656 that extend outwardly from the spools to facilitate retaining thefibers324 within the path R.

In the example shown, thefibers324 are routed from thecable port630, looped around the path R in thefirst management region632, and plugged into thetermination region634. When thedrawer620 is closed within thechassis housing610, thefibers324 form a loop having a first diameter D1. Typically, the inner circumference of the loop is spaced from the innerpartial spools651,652. When thedrawer620 is opened, the fiber loop constricts around theinner spools651,652 to accommodate thetermination region634 moving away from thefanout devices750 at the cable port630 (e.g., seeFIG. 12). Accordingly, the diameter of the fiber loop shrinks from D1 (FIG. 10) to D2 (FIG. 12), where D2 is less than D1.

FIGS. 13-16 show on example attachment arrangement for mounting one ormore fanout devices750 to thechassis housing610 at thecable port630. The attachment arrangement includes abracket700 that is configured to mount to thechassis housing610 at thecable port630. In some implementations, thecable port630 is defined as a separation between therear wall615 of thehousing610 and one of theside walls613. In the example shown, such a separation is provided between therear wall615 and eachside wall613. Eachside wall613 also includes a flange672 that extends inwardly substantially parallel to therear wall615.

Abracket674 is configured to mount to thechassis housing610 to cover the gap between therear wall615 and therespective side wall613. For example, thebracket674 can be fastened (e.g., screwed, bolted, etc.) to the flange672 extending inwardly from theside wall613. In one implementation, thebracket674 is an L-shaped bracket. In other implementations, however, other shapes can be used.

To provide acable port630, thebracket674 can be removed from thechassis housing610 to expose the gap between therear wall615 and therespective side wall613. A mountingbracket700 is attached to thechassis housing610 at the gap to position one ormore fanout devices750 at thecable port630. Anexample mounting bracket700 is shown inFIG. 16. Theexample mounting bracket700 includes a mountingsurface705, asupport surface710, and anattachment flange715. Theattachment flange715 attaches (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) to the flange672 extending inwardly from therespective side wall613 of thechassis housing610.

The mountingsurface705 definesopenings708 through which fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) can extend to attach one ormore fanout devices750 to the mountingsurface705. Thesupport surface710 extends upwardly from the mountingsurface705 to form a generally L-shaped transverse cross-section. The mountingsurface705 also can define openings to accommodate attaching a clamp orother retaining structure755 to the bracket700 (e.g., seeFIG. 14).

In the example shown, the mountingsurface705 andsupport surface710 extend at an angle relative to therear wall615 of thechassis housing610 when thebracket700 is mounted to the chassis housing (seeFIG. 15). Mounting the

surfaces

705,710 at such an angle facilitates routing of thefibers324 without violating a bend radius limit of thefibers324. In some implementations, the mounting and support surfaces705,710 are positioned at an angle ranging between 0 and 90 degrees relative to therear wall615. In other implementations, the mounting and support surfaces705,710 can be positioned at a greater angle.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

1. A drawer panel comprising:

a chassis housing defining a first cable port;

a drawer mounted within the chassis housing, the drawer being configured to slide between an open position and a closed position;

a termination region positioned on the drawer, the termination region including a plurality of adapters; and

at least a first stub cable routed to the first cable port of the chassis housing, the first stub cable including a plurality of optical fibers, the optical fibers having first ends that are routed to the termination region and plugged into the adapters, the optical fibers having second ends that are terminated by a multi-fiber connector.

2. The drawer panel ofclaim 1, wherein the multi-fiber connector is a ruggedized multi-fiber connector.

3. The drawer panel ofclaim 1, wherein the drawer has an interior defining a first cable management region in which the optical fibers of the stub cable are managed.

4. The drawer panel ofclaim 3, wherein the first cable management region includes a plurality of management structures that form a routing path having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, wherein the optical fibers of the stub cable are looped within the routing path prior to being routed to the termination region.

5. The drawer panel ofclaim 4, wherein the inner perimeter of the cable routing path is sufficiently spaced from the outer perimeter to accommodate a fiber loop having a first diameter when the drawer is in the closed position and to accommodate a fiber loop having a second diameter when the drawer is in the open position, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter.

6. The drawer panel ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one fanout device mounted to the chassis housing at the first cable port, the fanout device being configured to separate the optical fibers of the stub cable.

7. The drawer panel ofclaim 6, wherein the chassis housing includes opposing side walls extending between opposing end walls to define an open front, wherein the chassis housing includes a rear wall opposing the open front, and wherein the first cable port is defined by a gap between the rear wall and one of the side walls.

8. The drawer panel ofclaim 7, further comprising a mounting bracket configured to attach to the chassis housing to cover the gap, wherein the mounting bracket includes a mounting surface and an attachment flange, wherein the fanout device is fastened to the mounting surface of the mounting bracket.

9. The drawer panel ofclaim 8, wherein the side wall includes an inwardly extending flange at the gap to which the attachment flange is configured to fasten.

10. The drawer panel ofclaim 8, wherein the mounting surface of the mounting bracket extends at an angle relative to the rear wall of the chassis housing when the bracket is attached to the chassis housing.

11. The drawer panel ofclaim 1, wherein the chassis housing is configured to mount to an equipment rack.

12. The drawer panel ofclaim 1, wherein the drawer includes a trough at the termination region, the trough being configured to manage second optical fibers that are plugged into the termination region to optically couple to the optical fibers of the stub cable.

13. The drawer panel ofclaim 1, wherein a second stub cable is routed to the chassis housing at which the second stub cable is separated into individual optical fibers, which are routed to the termination field.

14. The drawer panel ofclaim 13, wherein the second stub cable is routed to the first cable port.

15. The drawer panel ofclaim 13, wherein the chassis housing defines a second cable port to which the second stub cable is routed.